Evolution / Genetics / Biology

The first diagnosis to determine infertility was made 4,000 years ago, an ancient Assyrian clay tablet discovered by Turkish researchers in central Kayseri (Caesarea) province revealed Thursday.

The 4,000-year-old marriage contract, inscribed on an Assyrian cuneiform tablet, says that if the couple cannot produce a child within two years of marriage a female slave will be used as a surrogate [Credit: Istanbul Archaeology Museum]

Various researchers from different universities led by Şanlıurfa's Harran University examined a 4,000-year-old Assyrian tablet containing a prenuptial agreement and found out that the first infertility diagnosis was made in central Kayseri province's Kültepe district.

The clay tablet written in cuneiform script discusses infertility and a solution for the issue, which is the inability of a person to reproduce through natural means.